Author's note: A big applause to Silent Tears of Agony for beta-reading this chapter for me. She makes reading this much more bearable.
Previously, Kenshin took Kaoru for a vacation to Netherlands and proposed to her. He revealed that he knew who Kaoru was.
Burden of a Responsibility
As the sun brought down the curtain on the day, Kaoru stood alone at the balcony both hands gripping lightly on the railing, admiring the contoured shades of yellow, gold and red painted across the sky. She allowed the soft cool breeze to caress her fairly wet hair, saving her the trouble of blow drying her washed hair. The ambience was breathtaking and if she could stop time, she would for she wanted so much to share the spectacular moment with Kenshin. Unfortunately she did not possess such magical power and hence, she could only silently hope for Kenshin to come out from his shower in time to join her.
She smiled to herself as flocks of birds retreated to their humble nest for the day. She was glad that she and Kenshin had finally returned to Auckland from, yet, another exhausting trip. For the duration of their vacation, they had been flying in and out of the city to another within the country. Kenshin had planned their journey well that for the past of ten days she had been visiting nothing but nurseries, gardens and tulips. She was positive that she had visited all of the country's famous gardens and parks. Whilst she knew Kenshin had arranged their vacation to her liking, she was feeling a little jaded of seeing just the nature. There was so much to Netherlands than gardens and parks. Inwardly, her subconscious mind concluded that her darling husband had overdone it. Nevertheless, she appreciated his effort to please her. Her grin grew wider. He can be at times a very silly man, she thought.
She was unaware when Kenshin, answering to her silent call, came quietly behind her and gently wrapped his arms around her slim waist; so as not to startle her. He rested his chin on her shoulders
'Just in time,' she smiled at her thought as her hands left the railing to enfold his arms around her. Almost automatically she tilted her head to the side, allowing him a more room and comfort. Wordlessly they watched the sun's final act. They need not words to express how deeply they felt for each other.
Only when nightfall raised its curtain had Kenshin opened his voice. "What would you like to do tonight, love?"
"Hm…" she gave some careful thought, "… shall we dine in the city tonight? We can tour around city after that."
"That's a good idea. We haven't been around the city much, have we?"
She shook her head in agreement. "I heard that Auckland is famous for it's red light district. Shall we go and see for ourselves?"
Kenshin quirked his brows before he released his hold around her and turned her around to face him. He asked, "Are you serious about this?" He knew Kaoru well enough to know that she, like him, had no particular interest for night spots.
She smiled and nodded. "We should do some market research while we are here," she said casually.
"Alright," Kenshin said uncertainly and guided her back into the suite. Her explanation puzzled him but he entertained the idea that she was mocking him and therefore ask no further question.
Indeed Kenshin had perceived Kaoru well, however, she had always been curious how receptive Kenshin was towards the industry. After all he was going to take over her grandfather's entire business. Although she disapproved of the idea, members of the triads were distinctly associated with night club, prostitutions ring and many more activities that set behind the scene. Generally, Kai's triad involved itself in any sort of profitable business ranging from logistic forwarding to arm smuggling; anything legal to illegal except drugs. Ironically her grandfather was patriotic and instilled in his memory was the dreadful Opium War that had destroyed his beloved country, China. And thus, he had a very strict policy against drugs.
There were times when Kaoru wondered why Kenshin, a righteous and morally abiding man, would want to marry her and inherit a business that was totally conflicting with his nature. Although Kenshin had assured her that it was her he was interested in, not her grandfather's business, surely Kenshin was aware of the consequences of his action. Then again, Hiko, his own father was in the same line of business as her grandfather. What confuses her was Hiko appeared to be trying all his might to seclude Kenshin from the underworld's exposure and yet, Hiko gave consideration to her grandfather's marriage proposal. Since she began to learn about Kenshin, she had a very mixed feelings about her marriage; she did not see him fit as her grandfather's successor, yet, she yearned so much for him to be her betrothed. In any case, she was far too content for he was the chosen one. She would not have anyone, except Himura Kenshin.
She wanted to know Kenshin's tolerance and acceptance level in the entertainment industry. She trusted Kenshin not to betray her but she could not help worrying about some strays will try to cling onto Kenshin. Therefore, that night she suggested venturing into the red light district. She would worry about other aspects of Kai's business and Kenshin later. Perhaps, she idly thought, she can somehow close down business related to the industry.
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"Kaoru, are you really sure that you want to visit a strip club?" Kenshin enquired once again, stopped his footing in the middle of the walkway of a busy street. On lookers were beginning to wonder what the two foreigners were doing, staring at each other.
"For the thousandth time Kenshin, yes," she answered and tugged his hand in hers, resuming walking.
"But, why?" He asked.
She ignored his question and continued to drag him to the first available destination. She stopped short when something caught her eyes, "Kenshin, look! Your container…"
"My what? Container?" He was puzzled but nevertheless looked at the direction that she was pointing, in search of something resembling a container. He could not find anything.
"One of Kai's container. Look. The truck with a metal box over there."
Then it dawned on him that she was referring to the truck and not to a food container which he initially thought. "What is the container doing here at night and in the middle of the city?" He looked around for a factory. He quickly dismissed the idea when it was unlikely there would be a factory or warehouse in the red light district.
"Let's follow the truck," she stuck out her hand and hailed for a cab. She had a hunch that the twenty foot container was heading to somewhere it was not supposed to be. And it was with Kenshin's container. She wasn't going to allow any of the Kai's containers being misused for unlawful purposes, not under her watch. It was rather ironic how she had thought considering Kai's managed illegal activities on its own accord.
"Kaoru, why do we want to follow the truck?" Kenshin asked once they settled comfortably in the cab. He had a basic idea why but he didn't want her to investigate further. He didn't want her to get involved in the matter. "It is probably just sending goods to somewhere nearby. We should not be worrying. Look! There is a strip bar just around the corner. Mister, could you stop here?" Kenshin tried to take control over the situation.
"The truck is pulling the container into the alley. Please follow the truck." She firmly instructed the cab driver.
However the cab driver stopped the car where Kenshin had requested, turned around and said, "I am sorry, Ma'am. It is a dead end after the turn."
"Alright. We get off here then," Kaoru pulled out some notes from her handbag and paid the driver.
"Kaoru…" Kenshin gripped tightly on her wrist, wanting to say something but was not given the opportunity to talk when the driver interrupted.
"Bad idea to snoop around Miguel's place."
The driver's warning alarmed Kenshin and his grip on Kaoru tightened. "Kaoru, it is not safe. Let's go back to the hotel."
"The more there is for us to find out what is going on here." Kaoru jerked her hand forcefully. She was determined to find out. Kenshin let go of her wrist, worried that he might hurt her if he didn't and climbed out of the cab after her.
Kenshin grabbed her wrist again the moment she was about to sprint towards the alley. "Kaoru, as soon as we see what they are doing with the container, we are leaving, is that clear?" There was an air of authority laying in his tone.
"Alright. Alright. I understand," She quickly brushed him off. "Come on let's go already."
Before she could reach the corner of the building leading to the alley, Kenshin was already standing in front of her. He stretched his arm to the back, trapping Kaoru behind him as he peeked into the alley.
"Kenshin!" She whispered angrily but he paid her no heed. "What are they doing? I can't see if I am a behind you!"
"They are unloading the container…" he finally replied. "It is just goods," he turned around and rested his hand firmly on her upper arm, "It's nothing. Let's go." He began to usher her to walk.
"No, wait!" she protested quietly, "I want to see it." She pushed herself away from Kenshin's grip and peeked into the alley. At the sight she saw, her eyes widened.
A number of young Asian girls were lining up to climb down from the container. The girls looked worn out, under nourished and filthy. There were six large men - who weren't too gentle judging by their menacing look - directing or rather pushing the girls to the back door of, she suspected, a night club.
"Human trafficking…" she believed. This was definitely not one of Kai's many depths of business. She turned to Kenshin who wore a very serious expression. "Kenshin, they are using you container to smuggle those girls," she whispered irritably. "We have to stop them and help those poor girls. They might have been kidnapped and force into prostitution!" She turned her on her heels when Kenshin grabbed her arm crossly.
"You promised that you would leave once you know what is going on. So, let's go back."
"But…"
"No 'but' Kaoru. We will report this to the local authority and let them handle it from there. We are going back to the hotel." Kenshin was firm.
"I can't believe you just said that!" She flicked her captive arm hard but Kenshin's grip was even firmer. "They are using the Kai's container to smuggle women! We don't do that sort of thing! We have to help the girls. I can't leave them here. I thought you were always righteous. Where is your sense of justice when I need it?! And you are hurting me." she chided.
Upon hearing Kaoru's complaint, Kenshin's heart sank and his grip on her arm loosened. Seizing the opportunity, Kaoru gave another flick to free herself from Kenshin and ran towards the main entrance of the club. Kenshin instantaneously ran after her and caught her wrist again.
Kaoru turned around and snapped at him, "I don't care what you have to say, I am going in with or without you!"
"We can't just go in like this. We need a plan," he simply stated.
Kaoru smiled and nodded vigorously. "Thank you," she gave him a hug and pecked him on the cheek.
He smiled before he asked her to stay where she was while he went around the corner to assess the vicinity. After a while, he came back and suggested, "We go in, we find the girls. I take care of the guys while you lead the girls out through the back door. If there is a slightest hint that things will turn out bad, we will abandon the mission and make a run for it, alright?"
"Yes sir! Now, let's move." She replied chirpily.
Kenshin sighed. Kenshin knew she was stubborn but he didn't realized she was 'that' stubborn. What Kaoru said hit on him. He was to inherit the Kai's business and he was with the Police Special Unit. He was capable of handling such a situation. He was confident that he was able to take control of the situation and protect his wife the same time. Besides, he wasn't given much choice taking into account that he was not able to control the situation with his wife who determined to save the girls on her own.
They went into the club being scrutinized by a few wary eyes as they stood out like a sore thumb; Kenshin's hand firmly clutching a woman's hand and she looked nothing like someone who would come into the joint that was strictly for men only. In order not to arouse further suspicion, Kenshin led them to the bar counter and ordered something to drink.
"What do we do now?" Kaoru whispered into Kenshin's ear.
"We wait."
"Wait?"
"They are watching us. So, let's pretend that we went into the wrong place to have some fun and we might as well enjoy it." Kenshin's arm around Kaoru's waist tightened. He gulped down the remainder of the glass and pulled Kaoru out to the dance floor. "Let's dance."
Kaoru felt a surge of both excitement and arousal when Kenshin took charge the way he did. 'He is so cool and sexy!' She shook her head to clear her indecent thought. 'This is supposed to be a lif- saving mission, not a drooling over Kenshin session.'
Though seemingly they were dancing, Kenshin further assessed his surrounding and analysed the situation they were in. He smirked slightly when he found what he was looking for. Kaoru, on the other hand, tried very hard to concentrate on the mission instead of Kenshin's serious but handsome face. It didn't help when his hands were attached firmly on her hips.
Gradually, he waltzed them to the side of the dance floor and disappeared from the crowd to a staircase leading to the basement. He kept himself out of sight between corners of the wall, hiding Kaoru behind him. Nearing his estimated target area, there were, as he anticipated, two huge men talking and at the same time guarding the door to a room. He smiled when he saw how close the exit was.
"Wait here." He mouthed to her and she nodded.
Thud! Thud! Swiftly, using only his limbs, he put the two watch dogs to sleep.
Kaoru came out from her hiding place while Kenshin broke the lock on the door. When the door was unlocked, he was greeted by a group of about twenty frightened girls. They all squirmed together at the sight of their unknown saviour.
Moving very quickly, Kaoru spoke in Chinese and the girls' expression immediately brightened up. They stood up and quietly followed Kaoru's instruction.
"Kaoru, I think we need to hurry," Kenshin warned. He had a feeling that they were about to expect some company soon. He searched his surrounding for a possible weapon. With so many ladies to protect, he would most definitely need something other than his bare hands to defend them. He picked up a long metal pipe and tested for the grip. He gave the pipe a few good swings. Shortly he found a piece of rag and he wrapped it around the pipe giving it a better grip.
Then, his sensitive ears picked up footsteps despite the loud thumping from the floor above. Someone was coming and he had a suspicion it would be more than just one person. "Kaoru, take the girls and run as fast as you can out of the alley into the streets. Turn to your left and keep on running and you will see a very small police booth ahead. Wait there. And don't turn around. Tell them."
"What about you?"
"I'll be right behind you. I'll delay the guys. Now, go!" Kenshin lightly slapped her buttock.
Kaoru turned and left the building with the girls.
Kenshin stood in his defensive stand, flexed his shoulders and neck, ready to meet his opponent. His hunch had been right. There was more than just one person. In fact there were ten of them. 'I am going to get a good exercise, tonight,' he thought to himself.
After giving clear and precise instructions, she turned back into the building again. She didn't feel right leaving Kenshin on his own. She knew martial art and her father was a kendo instruction! She could be of help. She looked around the alley and found what she was looking for. She picked up a piece of wood that resembled her bokken and went back in through the back door.
"Kaoru! What are you doing here?!!!" Kenshin shouted as he raised his pipe and struck his opponent in the stomach.
"I. can't… leave.. you.. here.. all by.. yourself..," Kaoru tried to explain as she started her attack.
The sight of Kaoru fending for herself against a man made Kenshin's blood hit the boiling point. Phantom liked, he all of a sudden appeared in front of Kaoru, blocking her from her attacker. "Kenshin, I can take care of myself!" She went off attacking another visible target.
"Kaoru!!!" Panic rose in his voice when Kaoru left his side, attacking on her own. His concentration spilt between watching over Kaoru and the enemy in front of him. Switching from Kaoru to what was in front of him, he suddenly found himself with three men attacking him at the same time. He managed to block their advances and viciously swept them across the face with his pipe. He no longer felt the calm but the adrenaline rush to put down all these men before his Kaoru got hurt. And then, his worst nightmare finally came true…
"Hey, tough guy! Put your weapon down or I'll put a bullet through her brains," a husky masculine voice demanded.
Cold sweat broke immediately as Kenshin turned to find Kaoru standing still on her spot with a gun pointing at her temple by a young man. Kenshin dropped his weapon without further hesitation. Kaoru had a very sorry expression written all over her face. Even though Kenshin had dropped his weapon, no one dare to come near him. The young man, Kenshin suspected, would be the owner of the joint, judging by his dress. The young man had various different sizes of gold chains hanging around his neck.
"What the fuck happened here?" the young man demanded from his boys as he observed the damages surrounding them.
"Miguel, the girls are missing and these two people attacked us. They must have set them free."
"Really?" Miguel grabbed Kaoru by the arm and roughly pulled her towards him. Action that was anything but gentle caused Kaoru to stumble and hit Miguel's exposed hairy chest.
Kenshin jerked slightly in an attempt to go to her aid but his foot stopped him when he realized very quickly how unfavourable his current situation was.
"Can any one of you fucking cows tell me how these two," the tip of Miguel's gun rotated between Kaoru and Kenshin, "managed to get past all of you and released my stock?!!!!!" He berated from the top of his lungs. His hand mirrored his anger as he squeezed the flesh out of Kaoru's arm.
None of Miguel's boys had an answer to his question.
Kenshin felt the pain when Kaoru cringed her face. He balled his fist tightly. "Let. Her. Go."
Miguel turned to Kenshin with a stern expression. Shortly, he put up a smile and said, "Let her go? Who the hell are you?!!! Do you have any idea how much I had pay to get my stock? And I have client who, as we speak,is waiting for their delivery! Do you?" his angry pair of eyes bore into Kenshin's. "So, what am I going to do now, huh?" he directed the question to Kenshin before he evilly leered at the woman he was holding from head to toe. And he smirked.
Kenshin felt the control over his rising temper crumbling.
Miguel pushed his nose forward to get a better smell of Kaoru and she flinched violently. "My, my, a feisty one, isn't she?" He observed Kenshin's reaction with a sly smile. "She smells sweet even in her sweat. Such soft, fair skin..." He stuck his tongue out and slowly dragged it vertically against Kaoru's soft cheek. Kaoru felt the texture and the moisture of his disgusting tongue and recoiled but Miguel kept pushing his face forward.
"DON'T TOUCH HER!!!" Kenshin was ready to charge forward but halted when Miguel pulled the safety trigger.
"She will fetch a handsome price, I would say. And since you happily let loose my valuable stock, I will take this woman as part of the exchange," Miguel held his gun out to one his boys before both of his hands aggressively groped Kaoru.
Kaoru yelped before she screamed, "Get your filthy hands off me!!!"
At that point, Kenshin lost it. However, before he could get anywhere near Miguel, he felt a sharp throbbing pain on his back and dropped to his knee.
"Kenshin!" Kaoru thrashed about to break free from Miguel's forceful hold around her.
"Now, now, you be good," Miguel cooed, "or I will break every bone in his body," he threatened. "I will take good care of you," he eerily whispered to her ears. "And before I market her to my client, I need to know how she feels and tastes like…" he glared at Kenshin with a wicked grin.
"You touch her again, I'll make sure you go to hell." Kenshin hissed through his gritted teeth. He could no longer feel the pain on his back but the burning flame swirling inside of him. He knew he needed to get Kaoru out of the situation fast. He quickly calculated his options.
Miguel challenged, "I'd like to see you try." With one mighty pull, he tore the front of Kaoru's blouse, exposing her bra for everyone else to see.
"Kaoru!" Kenshin was immediately pinned down to the ground by three men. His left cheek was pressed hard onto the cold concrete flooring. "Get away from her, you son of a bitch!"
"Kenshin!" Kaoru struggled for her freedom, unaware of how vulnerable she was at the moment. She could not care less about herself.
Miguel paid no attention to Kenshin or Kaoru who was still thrashing about. Instead he gave a careful thought and said, "I think I will be generous tonight. My boys will get to try my new product. And I bet she looks really good on screen. Gang bang footage sells like hot cakes, these days. I suppose my loss tonight will be compensated by making a movie out of her. Then we are even…."
"DON'T YOU DARE…" Kenshin roared angrily, unable to move very much.
"Let him go, you bastard!" Kaoru wriggled violently. .
"I'm afraid not, my fair lady. He will be your first audience to watch you perform live in action." Miguel started caressing yhe bare, soft flesh of her abdomen.
Kenshin's eyes widened and wavered as he watched Kaoru struggle painfully. "DON'T TOUCH HER!!!" He transformed his anger into raw strength to break free. His anger took five men to hold it down.
Miguel laughed out loud. "You don't understand the situation that you are in, do you?" He stared down at Kenshin. "You trespassed on my territory and freed my stock and you think I am just going to let you walk away just like that?!" His eyes narrowed down to match with Kenshin's fury. Both endeavored to kill one another with their deadly glare. "I will make you pay slowly and painfully… and we shall start with her, your woman."
In the midst of the very tense situation, a loud knock on the back door was heard. "Ah… Looks like I've dropped in just in time. I didn't miss anything much, did I?" A bald but tall and well built Chinese looking man with very small narrow eyes walked through the door in his fine black suit.
"Now, who the hell are you? What do you want?" Miguel questioned as the bald man casually strode into the room. None of Miguel's boy stopped the bald man from picking up a chair and sitting comfortably with his legs crossed. The bald man asserted a certain autocratic air and he looked intimidating despite his calm demeanor.
At a quick glance, he scrutinized Kaoru and then Kenshin before he spoke up, "You can call me Blackie and I am interested in collecting these two," his finger pointed at Kenshin and Kaoru.
"This is internal affairs. They trespassed on my area. So get lost and go back to your China Town."
The man who called himself Blackie merely smirked and it was enough to grate on Miguel's nerve.
"Miguel," another man appeared from the direction of the stair.
"What?!" Miguel snapped. He was beginning to lose his cool.
"Phone call," the man walked closer to Miguel with a mobile phone in his hand.
"Can't you see that I am busy?!"
"It is a call from your father."
Miguel glared harder at Blackie before he roughly snatched the phone from the man. "Papa, I'm busy right… … I don't fucking care who they are… They stole… but… Yes… No…" He frowned harder at Blackie who had a victorious smile on his face. "Yes… I understand. … Yes." He ended the call.
He reluctantly released his hold on Kaoru and said in a very small voice, "Let him go."
Kaoru rushed to Kenshin's side.
"What? But he.."
"I said, let him go!" Miguel repeated, only in a harsh loud manner.
Miguel's boys grudgingly loosened their grip on Kenshin.
Once Kenshin was free to move on his own free will, he immediately checked for any injury on Kaoru. "I'm sorry. Are you alright?" he said under his breath. "I'm sorry.."
Kaoru shook her head, unable to utter a word as fear finally set in.
Blackie stood up. "Thank you for your generosity and kind consideration," he said with a sarcastic edge in his voice. He took off his coat as he walked towards Kaoru. He securely covered Kaoru's lithe body with his coat before he kneeled beside her. "My lady, your grandfather sent me here," he said with an assuring smile. "Are you alright, young master?" he turned his attention to Kenshin.
"Yes, I'm fine." He was not at all fine. His emotion was running turmoil within him. Fury, humiliation, antagonizing shameful, self-resentment, disappointment; all ran through him at once.
"Good. We need to get going." Blackie offered to help Kenshin stand up but was refused politely.
Blackie turned to Miguel. "Is our transport ready?"
Miguel stared dead into Blackie's unnerving eyes and turned away. "Bring them to Papa," he ordered one of his boys.
Blackie led his masters to the stairs. Just before he climbed up the stair, he turned around and bowed slightly to Miguel who was still standing stoninly, unable to accept the turn of the situation.
Once in the limousine, Blackie informed casually, "We will be paying a courteous visit to Mr. Bradoss - Miguel's father." He took out his mobile phone and started texting. Once he was done, he said, "If you may allow me, young master, my lady, I will do the talking on your behalf."
Kenshin merely nodded, realizing the incident was beyond his league. He felt a stabbing pain in his ego.
When they arrived at the bungalow, they were greeted with politeness, a totally different atmosphere from before.
"Welcome to my humble home," Mr. Bradoss personally greeted them at his door step with open arms.
Blackie took a few quick steps and was in front of Kaoru who walked besides Kenshin. "Mr.Bradoss, thank you for extending your courtesy to my masters. We couldn't be more grateful," he took Mr. Bradoss' large hand and shook it firmly. "We are terribly sorry for what happened earlier. My young master, a young blood, went overbroad. I hope that you find it in your big heart to forgive us."
It took a lot from Kaoru to stop herself from berating that Bradosses were the ones who crossed the line first. She was getting a little sick in the stomach at the diplomatic or simply put, pretentious scene playing in front of her.
"Nonsense, I am the one who is supposed to apologize for my son's action for causing hurt to your masters. Please come in and take a rest." Mr.Bradoss guided them into the house, to the living area.
Kenshin did not like it, not even one bit when he had no control over the situation. He had no choice but to trust the stranger named Blackie.
They were served some hot tea while Mr.Bradoss took in Kenshin and Kaoru's appearance.
"I see that my stupid son has gone quiet some damage to your masters," Mr.Bradoss turned to Blackie. "I am terribly sorry. I will get the best doctors to attend to them right away." He snapped his fingers at his servant.
"Thank you, but that will not be necessary. A doctor has been arranged at the hotel." Blackie instantly declined.
"No…No, please, stay here for the night."
"Ah.. thank you for the extended hospitality but I am afraid," Blackie turned to both Kenshin and Kaoru, "they would not be quite as comfortable as they would be at their hotel where they have stayed for the past few days. Furthermore, I least expect harmony in this house when Master Miguel comes back if my masters were to stay. We would not want to further aggravate the matter."
"I see, I understand," Mr.Bradoss sounded a little offended. A servant walk holding a phone walked up besides Mr.Bradoss. Mr. Bradoss took the phone, "Hello, Seijuro-san. I have here with me your son and Old Man Kai's granddaughter… They are safe and fine. It would be my greatest pleasure to host them. … Do you wish to speak to them?" He handed the phone to his servant and his servant went to stand beside Kenshin.
Kenshin took the phone, "Hello?" He was expecting Hiko to blow at the top of his lungs at him, but instead he was surprised when his father said in a very concerned and fatherly manner, "Are you hurt?"
"No," Kenshin lied. He was emotionally hurt.
"And Kaoru?"
"She is shaken but she is fine," Kenshin said as he fisted the material of his pants.
"Listen very carefully," Hiko demanded, "say your thanks politely and go back to the hotel. Don't go anywhere else. I will be there in a few hours time. If you need anything, Blackie will arrange it. You can trust him. Now, let me talk to Kaoru."
"Hai," Kenshin obediently nodded and passed the phone to Kaoru.
"Hello," Kaoru tried to hold her voice still.
There was a short pause from Hiko. "Kaoru, don't be afraid. Everything is alright. I will see you in a few hours time."
"Hmm," was all that Kaoru could manage. Hiko's gentleness made her wantto cry.
When Mr.Bradoss ended his conversation with Hiko, Blackie stood up, expressed their wish to leave and left.
When they reached the hotel lobby, there were two fully equipped Asian doctors – a female and a male, waiting for them. While it was expected the doctors would follow them to their room but Bradoss' men as well? They were drawing unnecessary attention with four not so pleasant looking thugs escorting them.
As if reading Kenshin's concern, Blackie offered a voluntary explanation, "Young master and the Lady are now the guests of honor of the Bradosses. So it is likely Bardoss will have his men following you around, watching over you."
Kenshin nodded. Something in the way that Blackie had said it made him very uncomfortable. He felt more like a hostage with limited freedom instead of a guest.
Once all five of them were locked in the suite with four bodyguards standing outside their door, the female doctor ushered Kaoru to the bedroom and closed the door. Kenshin moved to follow, but a hand on his shoulder stopped him.
Blackie smiled, "Don't worry. She is a trusted doctor. The Lady will be fine with her. We need to attend to your injury on your back." He nodded to the doctor and started texting with his mobile phone again.
'How did he know?' Kenshin automatically unbuttoned his shirt.
A soft cry from the bedroom was heard and Kenshin immediately jumped on his feet.
"She has some serious bruises around her arm. The doctor is rubbing her bruises with ointment to dissolve the clotted blood under her skin," Blackie assured. "Like what the doctor is about to do you now."
"No broken ribs," the male doctor announced as he felt around Kenshin's torso.
"Good, otherwise, I will be skinned alive," Blackie muttered under his breath.
Kenshin's eyes winced when the Chinese doctor applied an extreme pressure on his injured back. 'Is this the pain Kaoru had to endure?' he thought to himself.
Blackie quietly observed various emotions cross Kenshin's stern face. He had thought that it was not his place to say anything to his young master but he could not resist. "It was a stupid thing to do, but you had a rather difficult princess to handle. The Lady is well known for her stubbornness. You could have had control over the situation if she had not returned for you." He doubted that whatever he said would clear Kenshin's conscious when Kenshin maintained his faraway look.
"You were watching us all the time, weren't you?" Kenshin finally said.
One corner of Blackie's lips curled upwards. "Old master was worried about the Lady and yourself. And so he sent me here. My loyalty is to the Kai and you will be succeeding after the Old Master, hence I am answerable to you, Young Master."
"What good have I to succeed the Kai when I can't even protect her?" Extremely softly, he unintentionally blurted out his troubled thoughts.
Blackie went silent for a long moment, watching Kenshin's head stoop lower, hiding his eyes under his bangs. "You will learn," Blackie said sincerely. "There is a Chinese saying; failure is one of the many paths leading to success."
Kenshin laughed half-heartedly. "Thank you." He leveled his head up to meet Blackie, "You can call me by my name."
"As you wish, Kenshin." For the first time, Blackie smiled genuinely.
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Kenshin sat on the bed, then carefully and gently held Kaoru's hand horizontally. "This looks really bad, dear. Are you hurt anywhere else?"
Kaoru shook her head, her eyes never once left Kenshin's face. She noticed how every muscle on his face was pulling tightly as he examined large patches of black, blue and red rings around her arm. His usual upward curled lips were pulled to a fine thin line. "It wasn't as bad before the doctor decided to salve on it. After that, my bruises started to spread out like some epidemic skin disease." She rolled her eyes.
She quickly added when he didn't response, "She said that should happen when blood clots are dissolved. She said that the bruises will lighten by tomorrow morning and will disappear in two days time. If she had not done it, it will take weeks before my bruises subside. Even though I do not doubt the effectiveness of Chinese medical practice, I would really prefer hard boiled egg instead," she chuckled lightly but died down almost immediately when Kenshin did not find it entertainingly funny and his concentration still remained on her injured arm.
There was a moment of silence.
Kenshin could not erase his memory of Miguel's mistreatment against Kaoru. His mind kept on replaying the scene between Miguel's filthy tongue on his wife's cheek and Miguel aggressively groping his wife.
Kaoru's ringing phone momentarily snapped Kenshin out of his misery and hence broke the cold silence of the room.
Kenshin released her arm and stretched his upper body to reach for her phone laying flat on the bedside table. He took a look at ID caller appearing on the screen before he handed the phone over. "It's Aoshi…" he informed.
Kaoru stared at Kenshin and took a deep breathe before she answered her call without having to look at the display screen.
"Are you alright?" was the first thing Aoshi asked before Kaoru could say her greeting.
"I'm fine."
Upon hearing Kaoru's response and tone, Aoshi started his inevitable lecture. "What were you thinking charging into a joint like that?!! You almost causedan irreversible damage to your life!" he hissed.
Kaoru kept quiet for she had nothing to say to defend herself.
"I want to talk to him." Aoshi demanded.
"It wasn't his fault. I was the one who wanted to go there." She explained hastily.
Aoshi repeated, "Kaoru, I want to speak to him."
She still held onto the phone when Kenshin removed the phone from her ears to his.
"Aoshi…" was all Kenshin could say and….
"HAVE YOU GOT NO BRAIN?!" Aoshi berated.
Kenshin started to move away from the bed - away from Kaoru's hearing distance - to the window. He remained silent, absorbing Aoshi's scolding.
"You once again proved that you are incapable of being with her. I don't care whose blood you are carrying, you almost have her gang rape and featured in a pornography!! Is this how you are going to keep her safe?! I am going to kill you if anything happens to her. I keep to my words." Aoshi ended the conversation.
Kenshin felt as if a katana just went right through his heart. He was very disheartened by the word of truth from Aoshi. It didn't even bother him how Aoshi got his hand on the details of what had happened. Although Aoshi had long since hung up on him, he was still holding the phone to his ears.
Kaoru came behind him and stood one step away from him. "I'm sorry. It is my fault all of this happened." She said solemnly.
Kenshin turned around and his eyes softened at the sight of her apologetic face. "It is not your fault. I failed to protect you. I'm the one who should be sorry." He tried to smile the best that he could.
Kaoru could no longer hold back her tear. She jumped, closing the distance between them and hugged Kenshin tightly, allowing her tear to flow down freely. "I'm sorry… I'm sorry…"
"Shh…" Kenshin gently stroked her hair, comforting her. "It is alright now. Everything is fine now." He gently pushed her shoulders away, far enough for him to see her face. He cupped her face with his hands and his thumbs wiped away her falling tears. "I promised you that this will never happen again." He kissed her forehead before he rested his own on hers. He closed his eyes and murmured, "Never." Silently, he swore upon his life.
Kaoru, unable to talk, nodded vigorously and bit her bottom lip. She sobbed harder. She felt miserable when Kenshin took all the blame upon himself.
They stood for a long moment until her crying subdued. He raised his head and looked into her eyes. "It has been a long day. You should rest now." He gave a small smile and wiped dry the remainder of her tears with his hands.
Hand in hand, he led her to the bed. They sat on the edge of the bed and Kenshin picked up a cup. "Here. Drink this, the doctor said that it will help you sleep."
Kaoru peeked into the cup holding a black liquid. She sniffed and commented, "It looks and smells pretty nasty."
Kenshin laughed a little and assured her, "I have one too. Be good, drink it up." The doctor mentioned dreamless sleep being one of the effects of the black tea.
Kaoru obediently drank the tea in one big gulp. "Aw… That tastes awful."
Kenshin without warning, kissed her senselessly, dulling the bitterness of the after taste. Slowly, he pulled away and asked his flushing wife, "Better?"
"Sweet," she answered.
Kenshin lowered her head on a pillow. He brushed away a few strands away from her face. "Go to sleep." His tender, loving eyes trailed her feature as if it was his first time meeting such a beautiful creature like her.
Kaoru nodded. "How's your back? Does it still hurt?"
"No."
"Let me see it." Kaoru tried pushing herself up with her elbow. Kenshin had both his hands on her shoulders and pushed her down.
"I'm fine. Nothing serious. I have had much worse than this. This one doesn't even stand close to Hiko's training."
Her eyes widened. "Really? You mean Hiko actually hit you?"
"Yes, and we praticed using katana. But we used the blunt side of the katana." Kenshin lowered himself to rest his head next to hers. He slept on his side and his hand sprawled over her stomach. Trying to distract her attention, he started telling her of his sword practice with Hiko until she fell into slumber.
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Blackie laid flat on his back on the sofa, crossing his legs. He turned on the television but his sight was tuned to the entrance of the suite. He doubted that Bradoss would try anything stupid but he couldn't be more cautious. He glanced at the bedroom door, where both his young masters were resting.
'Himura Kenshin…' He never had a very fond impression over his young master since the wedding. He never fully comprehended why old master picked the Japanese man as his successor. No doubt Seijuro owned Hiten Group, a powerful organization, but he didn't see the necessity for the union of the two families. He had no right to question the Old Master's decision but he couldn't help but wonder. The Old Master's decision to have a Japanese as his successor had earned the master a number opposition. 'Trouble water ahead…' he anticipated.
In any case, no matter whom the Old Master chose as his successor, Blackie had sworn allegiance to the old Master, thus the triad. He will give his full support and even life to the new leader of the triad. He smiled again when he recalled he had learned a little about his Young Master. Himura Kenshin might gradually earn his loyalty and even friendship.
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Author's note: Something different, isn't it? Well, I hope it is something different. In case anybody wondering what happen to Enishi, well, he will pop in and out for the next two or three chapters. At the moment, I would like to concentrate on Kenshin first.
Slow update was because I took a long time thinking of how to write and I went for a vacation to Yunnan, China. Although I went for only a week, my brain practically declared vacation for a month or so. Going back to work after the blissful one week was HORRIBLE!!! Anyway, I didn't get anywhere near Shanghai and collect information from my story. :(
So, time for you to tell me what you think of the story. I really love honest opinion, be it good or bad – that way you can help me develop myself.